What is a Positive Behavior Support?

Positive Behavior Support refers to a set of systems, tools and processes for organizing the social, educational, biomedical, physical, and logistical supports needed to help individuals
across the lifespan achieve a higher quality of life while reducing problem behaviors that may prevent positive outcomes for these individuals. The core defining features of Positive Behavior Support include:

The application of research‐validated applied behavioral science;

Integration of emotional, physiological, and biomedical supports;

Ecologically valid, practical interventions that reflect the values of the individual and his/her team;

Commitment to socially important and durable lifestyle outcomes; and

Implementation of support within family and organizational systems to ensure sustainable change over time.

An important practice that should be included within the PBS process is often referred to as either Person-centered planning (PCP) or wraparound planning.

What is Person-centered Planning?

Person-centered Planning is an action planning process, directed by the individual and his/her family to address lifestyle preferences. The plan is designed based on the
individual’s strengths, capacities, preferences, needs and desired outcomes. The individual is directly involved in leading the planning process, often with support from family members, friends,
and community advocates. The individual participating in the PCP identifies who will attend the meetings. Careful attention is paid to creating a personalized mix of paid and non-paid services and supports
that will assist him/her to achieve personally-defined outcomes in the most inclusive community setting. The individual identifies planning goals to achieve these personal outcomes in collaboration
with those that the individual has identified, including medical and professional staff (definition based on the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid 2004.

What is Wraparound Planning?

Wraparound Planning refers to a philosophy of care that includes a clearly defined planning process that is used to build constructive relationships and support networks for youth with
emotional or behavioral disabilities (EBD) and their families. Wraparound planning is community based, culturally relevant, individualized to student strengths, preferences, and needs, and is family centered.
Wraparound plans address multiple life domains across home, school, and community. Domains include living environment, basic needs, safety, and social, emotional, educational, spiritual, and cultural values
(definition based on Lucille Eber, 2011).Learn more about wraparound planning here.

How is Person-centered Planning Different From Wraparound?

Person-centered planning is more commonly used within the developmental disability field while wraparound planning is often associated with mental health and service coordination efforts for youth with emotional
and behavioral disabilities. Both practices focus on improving quality of life across important life domains, improving communication across agencies, and empowering individuals and their families to become active
leaders in designing more effective services.